Load for 45LC using 240 Grain XTP Mags

[Maplicito]

My local store ran out of the bullets I was using previously, so I picked up some Hornady 240 Grain XTP Mags... but I haven't managed to find a published load for them using the powders I already have (2400 and Unique).  If anyone already has a good starting load, I'd definitely be interested - but what I'm wondering is: I've found loads for other bullet weights, and my understanding is that as long as the load isn't for a lighter bullet than what you're intending to load, you can often get away with using its data.

For example, I found a load using 250 grain XTPs, and Unique, starting at 6.2 grains, and maxing at 7.4 grains.  Can I safely use this load data for my 240 grain XTP mags?

[Lone Star]

It all depends on what handgun you are using.  Hornady lists data for the 240XTP MAG (imagine that!) with 2400, but it is for the stronger Ruger/TC handguns.  Maximum listed is 23.9 grains 2400 with WLP primers and WW cases.  Sierra lists both UNIQUE and 2400 for their 240-grain bullet, but the softer Sierra may give higher or lower pressures than the Hornady.  If you are loading below max then I wouldn't worry about it.




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[Maplicito]

I am using an H&R Survivor... I've been told that it can likely handle the higher loads, but so far I'm sticking with the non-Ruger/TC loads.

[Lone Star]

For non-Ruger loads then 2400 is not a very appropriate powder IMO.  Few current manuals list it for that pressure level either - even Alliant only lists two loads with it.  Unique will work great and it burns much cleaner than 2400 in this case.  I have used a lot of 2400 in the past but I have never been much of a fan, there are far better powders for the .45LC in "normal" SAAMI-level loads.


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[quickdtoo]

The Lyman 48th lists the 250gr XTP in their 45Colt rifle data, Unique is 7.5gr start and 9.3gr MAX @ 1102fps from their 16" barreled M94AE, Win brass and WLP primer.

2400 is 15.2gr start and 17.5gr MAX @ 1236fps.

Their 240gr Sierra JHC data is same start with Unigue at 7.5gr, but the max is 9.5gr@1176fps.

2400 is 15gr start and 18.5 gr MAX @ 1321fps.

What did H&R tell you for load levels for the SB1 Survivor, or did you check with them?

Tim

[Maplicito]

Thanks for the responses.

H&R never responded to the email I sent them, so I'm thinking I might have to give them a call.  I don't work tomorrow, so if I remember, I can try asking them then.  If they feel the Survivor will take heavier loads, that'll definitely open up some flexibility for me... but if I can get ahold of more 200 grain XTPs, I've decided I actually quite like what they do with 9 grains of Unique behind them.  There's definitely some arc to their flight, but I found that load to be very consistent in my gun.  I haven't tried punching paper with it, but several dead gophers can testify to the effectiveness of that load 

Now, the 45 aside, if you have two bullets of similar construction and weight, is it true that you can generally apply the data from the heavier bullet to the lighter bullet in a bind?  Or is that an incorrect and unsafe principle?

Also, thank you Lone Star for the opinion on 2400.  I really didn't like how it performed behind some 300 grain bullets I had... although that was only one load so some tweaking might have helped.  All the same... I have it, and I hate wasting money - so I'm planning to use up this container of it anyway... if I don't find a load in it I like, I might stick to Unique for the 45.